Our Team

Dr. Nicole McKinney is the CEO of Collaborative Health Network, North Carolina’s leading provider-owned, clinically integrated network. Under her leadership, the organization is advancing its mission to build healthier lives through whole-person, value-based care, and measurable quality outcomes.

A licensed clinical mental health counselor, Dr. McKinney brings a unique blend of clinical insight and organizational expertise. She holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, an M.S. in Counseling Psychology, and a B.S. in Psychology, along with certifications in Lean Six Sigma and Change Management.

With over 20 years of experience spanning clinical service delivery, executive leadership, and organizational transformation, Dr. McKinney is a nationally recognized strategist and award-winning operations executive. Her work has driven meaningful change across healthcare and government sectors, with a focus on social impact, workforce well-being, and sustainable systems innovation.

“Self-love is an ocean and your heart is a vessel. Make it full, and any excess will spill
over into the lives of the people you hold dear. But you must come first.”―Beau Taplin

Samantha Smith serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Collaborative Health Network, bringing over 15 years of cross-sector leadership experience in business operations, strategic execution, and organizational development. Her career spans healthcare startups, real estate management, and corporate retail operations, where she has built a reputation for designing scalable systems, aligning cross-functional teams, and driving mission-aligned growth.

Samantha holds dual degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice and maintains professional certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute and as a Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) with the Society for Human Resource Management. In her role at CHN, she advances operational excellence, ensures enterprise alignment, supports network development, and oversees performance tracking across key strategic initiatives.

Favorite quote: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”― Theodore Roosevelt

Bio coming soon!

Member Organization: SouthLight Healthcare

Board of Manager | Full Name & Credentials: Adam Hartzell, JD

Current Title/Role: Chief Executive Officer

Professional Background: As Chief Executive Officer of SouthLight Healthcare, Adam brings a deep understanding of community-based organizations to his work as CEO of SouthLight. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated his commitment to mission-driven work, addressing social determinants of health, building collaborative teams and partnerships, and implementing best practices as he strives to be a good steward of community resources. Adam began his work at SouthLight in 2019.

Favorite Motivational Quote: “Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” —Mark Twain

Member Organization: Daymark Recovery Services, Inc.

Board of Manager | Full Name & Credentials: Billy R. West, Jr., MSW, LCSW

Current Title/Role: President and CEO

Professional Background: Billy founded Daymark in 2001. As Daymark’s only President and CEO, he has overseen the growth of Daymark from five outpatient clinics to a full behavioral healthcare continuum that serves approximately 70,000 unduplicated North Carolinians annually. Under his leadership, Daymark has become a leader in crisis services and technology integrated healthcare. Prior to founding Daymark, Billy held provider and senior administrative roles in public community mental health systems, state psychiatric hospitals and large hospital systems in North Carolina.

Member Organization: Clarvida

Board of Manager | Full Name & Credentials: Dr. Jennifer A. Brady-Chitjian, BCBA-D

Current Title/Role: NC Executive Director

Professional Background: Dr. Jennifer A. Brady-Chitjian began working at Clarvida in July 2020 as a Senior Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has since held the role of Director of Autism Services, Director of Operations and assumed her current role as NC Executive Director in February 2024. Jennifer has a BA in Psychology and a MA in Clinical/Behavior Psychology. Jennifer became a BCBA in 2008 and later received the Doctoral level status of BCBA when in 2011 she completed her Doctorate in Educational Administration. Her dissertation research focused on the use of Applied Behavior Analysis in inclusive classroom settings for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Jennifer served as an Adjunct Instructor in the Psychology Department for Dowling College, NY for 23 years. She has served as an Autism-Behavior consultant for numerous schools in Long Island, NY and at NY Stony Brook Hospital. Jennifer brings to her current position 30+ years of experience in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Applied Behavior Analysis, Mental Health and serving individuals in need.

Favorite Motivational Quote: “When I was younger I was looking for this magic meaning of life. It’s very simple now. Making the lives of others better, doing something with lasting value. That’s the meaning of life, it’s that simple.”   ⸺Temple Grandin

Member Organization: Primary Health Choice, Inc.

Board of Manager | Full Name & Credentials: Cheryl J. Davis, MD 

Current Title/Role: CEO

Professional Background: Internal Medicine Physician. 15 years experience in Hospital and Ambulatory Administration. Key experience in healthcare quality and advanced payment models. 

Dr. Cheryl Davis is a physician, healthcare executive, and community leader with over 13 years of experience in rural health, healthcare quality, and value-based care. She serves as CEO of Primary Health Choice, Inc., a leading provider of behavioral health and I/DD services across North Carolina. Under her leadership, the organization delivers person-centered, community-based care that promotes independence and well-being.

Favorite Motivational Quote: “It is amazing what you can accomplish when you do not worry about who gets the credit.”  -Harry S. Truman 

Member Organization: Integrated Family Services 

Board of Manager | Full Name & Credentials:

Natasha Holley, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS

Current Title/Role: CEO

Professional Background: Natasha is the CEO of Integrated Family Services and a licensed behavioral health professional with over 15 years of experience leading innovative crisis response services across North Carolina. A recognized leader in the field, she is passionate about expanding access to high-quality, person-centered care and building strong community partnerships. Her expertise spans program development, clinical supervision, strategic planning, and behavioral health consulting with schools, law enforcement, and community organizations.

Under her leadership, Mobile Crisis Services expanded to 34 counties, and she secured $3.8 million in funding to launch a Behavioral Health Urgent Care center. She serves on several statewide advisory boards, including Benchmarks of NC and the NC Coalition on Crisis and Alternative Response, and is a sought-after speaker and trainer in mental health, crisis intervention, and workforce wellness.

Favorite Motivational Quote: You have two hands. One to help yourself, the second to help others. — Audrey Hepburn

Current Title/Role:

CEO

Professional Background:

Timothy W. Lentz is the CEO of Catawba Valley Healthcare (CVH) and community advocate with over 24 years of experience advancing recovery-oriented systems of care.

Timothy’s work centers on building partnerships across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, and community organizations to improve access to prevention, treatment, and recovery supports. He is particularly committed to approaches that recognize recovery as a process grounded in dignity, connection, and practical support.

Favorite Motivational Quote:

“Common sense is genius dressed in its working clothes” Emerson

Member Organization:

Easterseals PORT Health

Board of Manager | Full Name & Credentials:

Luanne Welch

Current Title/Role: CEO

Professional Background:

Luanne Welch is the CEO of Easterseals PORT Health, a leading disability, mental health & substance use service provider, committed to helping children, adults & their families across North Carolina & Virginia. 

Luanne is an experienced non-profit leader in the health and human services industry and a community advocate among funders, government, corporate leaders, boards, public and private payers, and community influencers. In addition, she is skilled in portfolio management, service line mission and financial analysis, strategic execution, and the development of leadership talent. Purpose driven, Luanne is passionate about fostering positive change and embracing access and opportunity in the workforce.

Luanne currently serves as an Advisory Board Member for Open Minds (an award-winning source of information, executive education and health and human service business solutions) and Provider Council Member for Trillium Health Resources.

Favorite Motivational Quote:

“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Member Organization: Alexander Youth Network

Board of Manager | Full Name & Credentials: Brennon D. Graham, MBA, MHA

Current Title/Role: President and CEO

Professional Background: With nearly 30 years of experience in human services and two decades in executive leadership, Brennon brings deep expertise in organizational development, strategic planning, fundraising, and community partnership building. He has led nationally accredited organizations through growth and transformation and is widely recognized for his leadership in youth homelessness and behavioral health advocacy. Brennon also serves on several national boards and committees focused on youth services, equity, and family-centered care.

Favorite Motivational Quote: Where there is no vision, the people perish…-Proverbs 29:18

Member Organization: Carolina Outreach and Appalachian Community Services

Board of Manager | Full Name & Credentials: Tabatha Brafford, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS

Current Title/Role: Vice President of Development

Professional Background: Tabatha Brafford is the Vice President of Development for ncgCARE, a multi-state behavioral health network. Through its partnership with CHN, this includes the North Carolina companies Carolina Outreach and Appalachian Community Services. She brings over 25 years of experience in the behavioral health field, including clinical and leadership roles in operations, program development, and strategic growth. Tabatha’s work focuses on expanding services, strengthening community partnerships, and building systems that drive measurable outcomes and long-term impact.

Favorite Motivational Quote: Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you. Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Member Organization: RHA Health Services, Inc

Board of Manager | Full Name & Credentials: Jeanne Duncan, MPH

Current Title/Role: CEO Emeritus/Board Member

Professional Background: Jeanne has dedicated over 30 years to RHA Health Services, serving in progressive leadership roles including Social Worker, Administrator, VP, COO, President, and CEO. A trusted voice in the provider community, she has held leadership positions with organizations such as DDFA and NCPC and is a founding member of the Provider Advisory Councils for both PBH (Cardinal) and Vaya Health. 

Favorite Motivational Quote: If you find work you love, you will never work again.

Member Organization:

Community Alternatives, Inc

Board of Manager | Full Name & Credentials:

Vassanthi Griffis

Current Title/Role:

VP of Business Development

Professional Background:

Vassanthi (Vassi) Griffis is a dynamic business development and marketing executive with more than 15 years of experience driving strategic growth, brand visibility, and partnership expansion across healthcare and human services sectors. As Vice President of Business Development at Community Alternatives, Inc., she leads initiatives that strengthen organizational presence, expand referral networks, and enhance profitability through data-driven strategies.

Her leadership has consistently delivered measurable results—achieving referral growth of up to 90%, expanding market reach across multiple states, and increasing recruitment and brand engagement by over 50%. Previously, she served as Director of Business Development at Hallmark Youthcare and held key roles with New Hope Carolinas and Childhelp, where she advanced business operations and developed innovative outreach programs addressing emerging community needs.

Vassi holds an Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) from Frostburg State University and a Bachelor’s of Science (BS) in Psychology from the University of Maryland. She is an active leader in several statewide associations, including serving as President of the Northern Virginia Coalition of Private Providers Association (NOVACO-PPA). Known for her collaborative leadership style and passion for service, Vassi continues to champion initiatives that empower organizations, strengthen partnerships, and make a lasting impact in the community.

Favorite Motivational Quote:

“To whom much is given, much is required—lead with purpose, serve with intention, and impact will follow.”

(Luke 12:48)

Bio coming soon!